Earlier this week we talked about the remarkable academic achievements of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, including her membership of Phi Kappa Phi. So, what does it take to be a member of an honor society with a Supreme Court Justice alum? We’re going to find out!

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is a multidisciplinary collegiate honor society and the nation’s oldest and most selective. The organization considers itself to be a “global network of the best and brightest, a community of scholars and professionals building an enduring legacy for all generations.” Previously Lambda Sigma Eta, Phi Kappa Phi’s motto reads, “Let the love of learning rule humanity” and exists purely to “...recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and engage the community of scholars in service to others.”

Membership to Phi Kappa Phi is by invitation only and requires a nomination by an individual chapter, but basic prerequisites are:

• Juniors must have completed at least 72 credit hours, with at least 24 semester hours at their current institution, and rank in the top 7.5% of their class.
• Seniors must have completed at least 90 credit hours, with at least 24 semester hours at their current institution, and rank in the top 10% of their class.
• Graduate students must have completed at least 18 graduate hours or the equivalent at their institution, and rank in the top 10% of their class.

Phi Kappa Phi is a member of the Honor Society Caucus, a grouping of the most prestigious honor societies in the United States and has initiated over 1.5 million members since its inception. The organization averages around 30,000 new members annually and currently has roughly 100,000 active members. Alumni include public servants/leaders, Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winners, NASA astronauts, Emmy-winning actors, authors, and more. Notable members include Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Jimmy Carter, Wendy Lawrence, John Grisham, and Hillary Rodham Clinton.

You’ll recognize Phi Kappa Phi members on graduation day by their navy and gold honor cords and custom stoles/medallions.

Are you a member of the prestigious Phi Kappa Phi? Congratulations! Let us know about it in the comments!

Cover photo by Victoria Priessnitz on Unsplash